SUPER FOLKS

By Robert Mayer

St. Martin's Griffin publisher

paperback

240 pages $12.95

reviewed by Douglas

The year was 1977 and nothing controversial has cropped up in the world of comic books. I was fifteen and a Marvel Zombie. Sure, there were a few things I could stand about DC, but not much. I distinctly remember seeing this novel with it's original, comic booky cover. I picked it up, scanned the front and back and then opened it up. Imagine my disappointment that it wasn't a comic book. In 1977 comics ruled the Earth and they were plentiful. Not always good, but plentiful. why would I want to read a novel about superheroes? Why indeed? Thankfully, someone has decided to give this excellent book another chance at rediscovery. I know that I am glad for the experience. But, enough of my ramblings. Let's get on with the plot. There's this super guy named Brinkley who comes from the far off planet, Cronk. Yes, that means he's allergic to Cronkite, but you saw that one coming, right? Anyway, all the other heroes of the world are dead or missing. Superheroes are no longer popular. Then comes the big, unknown menace threatening the world. Seems that your average joe is starting to miss the super powered folk that used to fill the sky with their garish costumes. The world needs a hero and Brinkely is really the only guy left to do the job. He can fly, is strong enough to move planets and is a bit of a voyeur as well. Superfolks is comic book parody at it's finest with a healthy dose of kink to make sure that you're paying attention. It's easy to see where Alan Moore's Watchmen came from. Hell, it's basically an r-rated version of The Incredibles. This is the novel that gave the industry a well deserved kick in the ass and got things moving. Sure, I was a scrawny, pimpled faced geek that probably wouldn't have recognized a good read if it bit me in the ass. My idea of a good book was something by Tolkien, Piers Anthony or Stephen Donaldson. You know, classic literature. So, I am speaking to the new world of comic geek. You with your slick paper comics. You, the people who never had to experience the multiple cover phenomenon. This is your chance to do what I didn't do. Seek out this book and come to grips with the roots of where the current trend of comics is headed. You are wiser than I was at that age. Take advantage of the time that you live in and go get this book. If you read it and aren't as impressed as I was then contact me through this web site. I'll let you kick my old, wrinkled ass for free.